Former Stampeder Joffrey Reynolds in legal hot water

Former Stampeders running back Joffrey Reynolds is lead by Immigration officers from the Harry Hays Building in Calgary, Alta., to remand after he was arrested for a domestic dispute, July 16, 2012. (DARREN MAKOWICHUK/QMI Agency)

Related Content

Latest News

NADIA MOHARIB, KEVIN MARTIN and SCOTT MITCHELL, QMI Agency

Jul 17, 2012

, Last Updated: 2:20 AM ET

CALGARY - Former Calgary Stampeders star Joffrey Reynolds has gone from the toast of the town to handcuffs and shackles.

Monday Reynolds, a U.S citizen who was seen cuffed and shackled and being walked by guards, was in the custody of border services officials following police charging him on Saturday with assault and break and enter related to an alleged attack on an estranged girlfriend.

The former all-star running back appeared before a justice of the peace at the Calgary Courts Centre around 3 a.m. Sunday before being released into the custody of the Canadian Border Services Agency on unrelated immigration matters.

Border services officials were not available for comment Monday, but it’s believed Reynolds will face a detention review hearing to see if he has to remain in custody or the community while dealing with immigration issues.

It is believed he has no status in Canada, essentially meaning he is illegally in the country and thus immigration officials will likely pursue his removal to the U.S.

Despite being in border services’ custody, Reynolds was earlier granted bail by the courts on condition he stay away from his alleged victim and outside a three-block radius of her residence and refrain from consuming intoxicants including alcohol.

During his 16-minute court appearance Monday, Reynolds indicated he understood the charges he faces and was advised of his right to counsel, court documents show.

He’s scheduled to return to provincial court on July 26, in the courtroom where domestic disputes are handled, although if he signs a designation of counsel, a lawyer can appear on his behalf.

One day after learning of Reynolds’ arrest, his former employer addressed the situation at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary Stampeders president Lyle Bauer was quick to point out the running back, who was cut by the team on Jan. 23, is no longer part of the organization.

“Honestly, it would be inappropriate for the club to comment or make any statement in that regard,” Bauer said Monday.

“We’re very limited in our knowledge of the details and it is in the hands of the law.

“At this point in time, Joffrey is a former Stampeder and it is in the hands of the law.”

Bauer was saddened when he heard the news.

“It’s very tough to hear news like that in life,” Bauer said.

“Football is not immune to those types of things and it’s very unfortunate, but we’ll have to see what happens.”

Stamps head coach/GM John Hufnagel was tight-lipped about the situation.

“It’s a very sensitive issue and it’s in the hands of the law,” Hufnagel said.

“Any further comment by me would be inappropriate.”

Hufnagel won a Grey Cup with Reynolds in 2008 before releasing the veteran after he lost his starting job to Jon Cornish midway through last season.

Reynolds is the Stampeders’ all-time leading rusher with 9,213 yards.

The 32-year-old from Tyler, Texas, joined the Stampeders in 2004 after stints with the NFL’s St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns and New York Giants.